Skellig Michael: How to Sell Ireland’s Most Dramatic Island
Your clients saw it in Star Wars. Now they want to stand where Luke Skywalker stood, climb the steps carved by 6th-century monks, and tell everyone they landed on one of the world's most isolated UNESCO sites.
Here's how to make it happen without the stress of managing the bookings yourself.
Skellig Michael sits eight miles off the Kerry coast, a pyramid of rock rising 715 feet from the Atlantic. Between the 6th and 12th centuries, monks lived here in stone beehive huts, carving 618 steps into the cliff face to reach their monastery at the summit. It's remote, dramatic, and genuinely difficult to reach. That's exactly why your clients want to go.
But here's the thing: getting there requires real planning, honest conversations about fitness and weather, and backup options when the Atlantic doesn't cooperate. Let's walk through what advisors need to know.
When clients can actually visit
The landing season typically runs mid-May through the end of September, with exact dates set by Ireland's Office of Public Works (OPW). All sailings are weather permitting.
Outside this window, visitors can take eco tours that circle both Skellig Michael and Little Skellig without landing. These run from mid-March through October. You see the monastery, the steps, the seabirds, and the dramatic landscape from the boat. It's spectacular in its own right, but it's not the same as standing on the island itself.
Only 180 people can land on Skellig Michael each day. That's 15 licensed boats carrying 12 passengers each, departing once daily. Most leave from Portmagee Marina in County Kerry, with a couple operating from Ballinskelligs and Derrynane.
July and August are peak months, and spaces disappear fast.
The weather reality (this is critical)
Even with a confirmed booking, there's no guarantee the boat will sail or land. The crossing is eight miles into open Atlantic waters, and conditions change quickly. In an average season, boats successfully land about 100 days out of 130. That's roughly a 65-70% success rate.
Captains make the call based on sea conditions, often the day before or morning of departure. If the boat can't land, operators typically offer a refund or the option to reschedule for another day during the trip.
This is where you add value as an advisor: set expectations upfront. Build flexibility into the itinerary. If Skellig Michael is a must-do for your clients, consider booking two potential departure dates or adding buffer days in the area.
We handle this conversation in our itineraries so your clients understand the variables before they book flights.
The fitness conversation you need to have
This isn't a gentle stroll. The 618 steps to the monastery are steep, uneven, and carved directly from rock. There are no handrails. The steps vary in height and width. When wet, they're slippery.
Visitors need to be confident on their feet, comfortable with heights, and capable of a sustained climb that ascends roughly 600 feet. The descent is often harder than the climb. Some visitors choose to sit and scoot down certain sections, and that's completely normal.
Children under 12 are not permitted on landing tours. The OPW also advises that anyone with health conditions should carefully consider their physical limitations before booking.
Your clients will have 2.5 hours on the island. The boat ride each way takes about 45-50 minutes. Total trip time is roughly 5 hours.
The Star Wars connection (and the 1,400-year story behind it)
Yes, Skellig Michael was the filming location for Luke Skywalker's exile in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Your clients will recognize the Wailing Woman Rock and the stone steps from those final scenes.
But the real story is 1,400 years older than Star Wars. This is where monks sought isolation at the edge of the known world, building a monastery that has survived Viking raids, centuries of Atlantic storms, and the slow march of time. The beehive huts, stone crosses, and terraced gardens remain largely intact.
Star Wars brought attention to Skellig Michael, but the island's history and setting are what make it unforgettable.
What to bring and what to expect
Visitors need sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip. No sandals, heels, or smooth-soled footwear. The OPW is firm on this.
Layers are essential. The island is exposed, windy, and often cooler than the mainland. Rain gear is strongly recommended. Sunscreen, too, because the sun reflects off the water and rock.
There are no shops or facilities beyond basic toilets. Clients should bring water and snacks for the time on the island.
OPW guides are on-site during the season to share history and ensure visitor safety. They'll give a briefing before the climb, including reminders about safe footing, staying on marked paths, and respecting the fragile site.
How we help advisors manage this
booking system. Operators are small, family-run businesses, and they're managing high demand with limited capacity.
We work with vetted operators and handle the coordination for your clients. Plus we provide 24/7 emergency support if there needs to be some last minute readjustments due to weather. The goal is simple: your clients get the experience they came for, and you're not stuck troubleshooting logistics from five time zones away.
Skellig Michael is one of those rare destinations that lives up to the hype. But it requires honest conversations about weather, fitness, and flexibility. We handle those details so you can focus on selling the trip, not managing the variables.